Our Mission

Proyecto Carayá - Monkey Sanctuary

Founded by Maria Alejandra Juarez over 20 years ago and recognized by the Jane Goodall institute, Proyecto Carayá is Argentina’s first and only monkey sanctuary. We currently host over 150 monkeys (plus: dogs, donkeys, pigs, chickens, pumas, viscachas and llamas!), and are located about 2 hours outside of Cordoba, near La Cumbre.

Maria Alejandra Juarez with Jane Goodall at the monkey sanctuary

Proyecto Carayas rescues several species of at-risk monkeys, many of which were poached as infants and sold as pets. Often drugged and domesticated, we need to teach them how to be monkeys again. Through our three-stage rehabilitation and socialization program, our ultimate hope is to repatriate them to their natural habitat.

About the Caraya team

We work with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers to complete our mission. If you want to help our cause and work with monkeys make sure to check out the Volunteer page.

Our team members

Maria Alejandra Juarez

Director

Mayu Pilsel

Coordinator

Juan Pablo

Coordinator

Malen Pilsel

Coordinator

Carola Milozzi

Biologist

Carola Arnijas

Biologist

Maria Ahumada

Vet

Pablo Freire

Vet

We Need Your Help

In the future, Proyecto Carayas aims to engage the indigenous people who contribute to monkey trafficking, by hiring them to work on the reserve. The ultimate goal: repatriate the monkeys to their natural habitat in northern Argentina.

To realize our goals, we rely on the generosity of our visitors, volunteers, and local community to give their time and resources to keep our efforts moving. We welcome your contributions in any form!

Visit our Sanctuary!

Our monkeys and staff love having visitors. We are located about two hours outside of Cordoba, Argentina, in the mountains near La Cumbre.